October New Minnesotan Potluck at International Institute of Minnesota

How do Minnesotans welcome newcomers to the community? With a potluck, of course! Join us for a potluck lunch to show New American students that the Twin Cities are an inclusive place to call home.

Everyday, approximately 100 New Americans take classes at the International Institute of Minnesota. Classes include English for Work, Nursing Assistance Training, College Readiness, and Hospitality Training. Our students are adult refugees, asylees, and immigrants from all over the world, furthering their education to pursue rewarding jobs in the Twin Cities.

The more opportunities students have to practice English with new faces, the better! That’s why, each month we invite community members to bring a dish to share and sit down to lunch with our students.

When you register, you will be asked to select what you are bringing. Once you sign-up, we consider that a commitment to provide the item you select! Part of the fun is sharing American food with our students (or food from another country you’re from)!

Please sign-up for a dish that works for you. Then, just show up! If your dish needs to be warmed, we have a microwave, but no stove. To make it easier, some people bring dishes in crockpots so that they stay warm.

Our staff will help with serving, so that your time can be spent having conversations with students. You’ll have 30 minutes to set up before students begin arriving, and clean-up should start around 1 and last a half hour.

Feeling nervous about sitting down to lunch with strangers? Sign-up with a friend. Also know that we’ll have conversation cards out at the tables. We feel this is a great way to “walk the walk” of being welcoming in Minnesota.

Entree for 20 (Vegetarian, Chicken, or Beef) Veggies for 25 Crackers/Chips/Bread for 100 Fruit for 20 Salad or Pasta Salad for 25

Dessert for 25 Simple Beverages for 100 Plates/Cutlery/Cups for 100

Some general guidelines:

We do not have a cooktop or stove. We do have a microwave. We have a large kitchen for prep and a hall (with tables and chairs) where the food would be served. Please, no pork. No jello or gelatin, as it is a pork product. We serve an adult population. We will provide water and coffee.

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event? We have a parking lot, and are accessible by bus.

Are there minimum age requirements to enter the event? Nope, you can bring your children, just know that we serve an adult population.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Email Shelby with any questions: spasell@iimn.org